We arrived

We arrived safely in Douala the evening before Palm Sunday and everything is going well except for the internet here at St. Padre Pio hospital which is very hit or miss. That is why we have not “blogged” until now.

Last week was Holy Week and so we were able to go to Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Saturday night Easter Vigil and Easter Mass . The services were each in their own way very beautiful and for us very unique. At each of them, except the Easter Mass, there was a strong African element. It was very beautiful, although most of the services were quite long – 4 – 5 hours. We both enjoyed the Easter Mass at the Cathedral here the most. The Celebrant was the Cardinal here in Douala and he presented a very meaningful homily on Faith.  

The work here is really as expected. Everyday is very busy with lots of patients. Much of it is routine, with some unique and sometimes intense emergencies like cesarean sections, difficult deliveries, and surgeries for tubal ectopic pregnancies. There is no blood immediately available for transfusion which certainly adds an element of excitement.

The sisters here treat us very well. They have put Rose to good use in the operating room and she is really enjoying that again. She also has a very compassionate touch with the patients and is wonderful at comforting them. The sisters love her.

The Sisters and staff here work very, very hard.  Many patients come here not only because of the quality of the medical care, but also because they will be treated with kindness and dignity by everyone.

Please continue to pray for us and our mission here.